My favourite thing about reading your work is how unapologetic you are about your opinions and how they are always rooted in real cultural references or analysis, and even where I disagree with you I am still critically engaging, that in itself is why criticism cannot die
this actually means everything. i have no interest in people agreeing with everything i say; i just want to be honest in my assessment of a thing and have that be enough. thank you for reading π«ΆπΏ
It seems like culture today is always FOR or AGAINST something. It is possible to appreciate something and see it's flaws at the same time. It's such a more intimate relationship to understanding something than blindly agreeing with all the hype.
Yes to everything in this post! Sinners was the hardest I had to work to block out the outside noise. This was the fastest Iβd ever seen people run to the internet to spoil, critique, and analyze a film. Opening any app felt risky because it was only a matter of time before you saw someoneβs lukewarm, half baked, repetitive take full of spoilers bc they refused to take even a second to let the art sink in. I had to mute, unfollow, and block so many people lol!
it's the way i'm drafting a retrospective for my podcast because there is SO much to say about that film and the lessons hollywood should have learned from ...you'll be the first to know when that episode is outπ«ΆπΏ
I love how honest your writing is and how much passion there can be said for how you go about different subjects. I'm out of touch with a lot of things (mostly lack of interest at times) so I find myself learning so much more when I read your pieces. I didn't even know about the Crazy Rich Asian critique! Anyways, love your work Ayan!
my angel this means everything. delighted to be rotting your brain with pop culture hot takes and hate essays πββοΈπ thank you as ever for reading x
as someone who struggles with her introductions,i hope you know that this comment makes me feel like i can shit diamonds πββοΈ thank you my love
i found your writing while scrolling on substack as a way to kill time in my calculus class--as one does. needless to say, i am amazed. this is the kind of article you reread in class, think about on the drive home, reflect on in the shower, and journal about at nighttime. the part I keep thinking about hours later is how content people are with their own perception of a film, rather than the intent behind the filmmaking. thank you for giving me the insight to reflect on how much I allow myself to engage with a text and how much I allow a text to engage with me. you're amazing!
Came from Anna Howard's YT channel and her digital garden video. Stayed and subscribed for the... wanted to say hot takes, but feel it might diminish the importance of your words. These are NOT some superficial meanderings your brain has taken. These are gems for waking up from mindless consumption, wake up calls and empowering points. Yes, we should stand up for what we think, and yes, I will be more critical with my consumption (not only what I consume, but rather, how I do it!)
thank you for this piece π I have recently discovered my own opinion..crazy I know. All of a sudden, the movies I watch actually mean something to me, and arenβt just distractions from my own life.
It has been difficult to locate what muscle this was that I wanted to work on more & this piece has helped me find it! miss Anna Howard on youtube brought me to you β¨tyty!
Iβve never read any work on Substack before, and I can say youβve changed my brain chemistry on readingβ¦ESPECIALLY during my free time π«ΆπΎ thank you ayan!
My favourite thing about reading your work is how unapologetic you are about your opinions and how they are always rooted in real cultural references or analysis, and even where I disagree with you I am still critically engaging, that in itself is why criticism cannot die
this actually means everything. i have no interest in people agreeing with everything i say; i just want to be honest in my assessment of a thing and have that be enough. thank you for reading π«ΆπΏ
mic drop ass intro π€ mic drop ass conclusion. 10/10
i'm just trying to be as cunty and discerning as you ππΏ
βEveryone wants to conflate criticism with hateβ just articulated all my irritation with culture so perfectly. Great piece!
It seems like culture today is always FOR or AGAINST something. It is possible to appreciate something and see it's flaws at the same time. It's such a more intimate relationship to understanding something than blindly agreeing with all the hype.
Yes to everything in this post! Sinners was the hardest I had to work to block out the outside noise. This was the fastest Iβd ever seen people run to the internet to spoil, critique, and analyze a film. Opening any app felt risky because it was only a matter of time before you saw someoneβs lukewarm, half baked, repetitive take full of spoilers bc they refused to take even a second to let the art sink in. I had to mute, unfollow, and block so many people lol!
this is SO real lol. yes everyone is entitled to their own opinions but if yours is stupid i'm also entitled to block you for it πββοΈ
As an aspiring critic I really needed this!! As always I enjoy your work immensely π
this is so sweet. know that i'm rooting for you π«ΆπΏ go be great.
i want to know where i can read your opinion on crazy rich asians please give it to me!!!
it's the way i'm drafting a retrospective for my podcast because there is SO much to say about that film and the lessons hollywood should have learned from ...you'll be the first to know when that episode is outπ«ΆπΏ
Maβam, you have a podcast????
in the works!! i'll be dropping the intro next Wednesday on here. shitting my pants, so excited etc etc
I love how honest your writing is and how much passion there can be said for how you go about different subjects. I'm out of touch with a lot of things (mostly lack of interest at times) so I find myself learning so much more when I read your pieces. I didn't even know about the Crazy Rich Asian critique! Anyways, love your work Ayan!
my angel this means everything. delighted to be rotting your brain with pop culture hot takes and hate essays πββοΈπ thank you as ever for reading x
you can't rot what was already decaying, you can only age it with grace! Plus, I find you work tickles the mushy academic parts of my brain.
your writerβs voice is loud and clear and real. I really enjoyed reading this and will use this advice to better my critiques!
this means the world π₯Ή thank you for reading x
never a dull opening with you! (i am also hoping to see more black Muslim Daniel Kaluuya stans break out into the world of criticism.)
as someone who struggles with her introductions,i hope you know that this comment makes me feel like i can shit diamonds πββοΈ thank you my love
LETS GOOOO
this is my version of a buzzfeed listicle πββοΈ
you single-handedly inspired me to finish up my sinners love essay/review! thank u for ur razor sharp insight and steadfast integrity as always!!
π₯Ή i am waiting to read that sinners piece with baited breath darling. thank you as ever love xx
i'd like to commend your spine and your bitchiness ππΌ brilliant as always
thank you angel π
i found your writing while scrolling on substack as a way to kill time in my calculus class--as one does. needless to say, i am amazed. this is the kind of article you reread in class, think about on the drive home, reflect on in the shower, and journal about at nighttime. the part I keep thinking about hours later is how content people are with their own perception of a film, rather than the intent behind the filmmaking. thank you for giving me the insight to reflect on how much I allow myself to engage with a text and how much I allow a text to engage with me. you're amazing!
Came from Anna Howard's YT channel and her digital garden video. Stayed and subscribed for the... wanted to say hot takes, but feel it might diminish the importance of your words. These are NOT some superficial meanderings your brain has taken. These are gems for waking up from mindless consumption, wake up calls and empowering points. Yes, we should stand up for what we think, and yes, I will be more critical with my consumption (not only what I consume, but rather, how I do it!)
Thank you for this one!
thank you for this piece π I have recently discovered my own opinion..crazy I know. All of a sudden, the movies I watch actually mean something to me, and arenβt just distractions from my own life.
It has been difficult to locate what muscle this was that I wanted to work on more & this piece has helped me find it! miss Anna Howard on youtube brought me to you β¨tyty!
Iβve never read any work on Substack before, and I can say youβve changed my brain chemistry on readingβ¦ESPECIALLY during my free time π«ΆπΎ thank you ayan!